All antibiotics carry unfavorable side effects. But Azithromycin (commonly referred to as the Zpac) has always been considered relatively safe, carrying minimal side effects. Accordingly, it has been one of the most overly prescribed antibiotic. So much so that people are developing a resistance to it. This new study states that during the 5-day Zpac course, people experienced a 3-fold increase risk of cardiovascular disease death. While it is unfortunate to realize that even the Zpac has major side effects, hopefully it will cause physicians to think twice before prescribing it for common upper respiratory tract infections which will usually heal on their own given rest, immune support and, if needed, herbal anti-microbials.
The ZPac may increase risk of cardiovascular death
Autism linked with high fructose corn syrup consumption
In a new study, Clinical Epigenetics discuss how the rise in autism in the United States may be linked to the increased consumption of high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) in our diet. The average American consumes over 60 pounds of HFCS per year- mostly in the form of sodas and processed food. HFCS has been shown to contain trace levels of mercury as a result of manufacturing. It also interferes with how our body eliminates toxins by altering our nutrient status. The authors explain that HFSC contribute to zinc, calcium and phosphorous loss, and a copper gain, which then interferes with how the body metabolizes toxic chemicals, like mercury and pesticides. HFCS, mineral loss and the subsequent increase in exposure to mercury and pesticides change how our genes are expressed. This change seems to carry over from one generation to the next, affecting both neurodevelopment and autism prevalence.
Homemade Almond Milk
Sophie and I made some delicious almond milk today. While it is pretty easy to find almond milk these days, homemade almond milk is tastier, fresher and more rewarding to sip. Most store bought milk contain additives that aren’t naturally found in milk. And, really, there is nothing quite as delicious as freshly made raw, organic, preservative-free nut milk made in your kitchen. We used our vitamix blender which blends like no other blender. Sophie did the “milking” (see the below) with giggles and delight.
Homemade Almond Milk
Yields: About 8 cups which keeps in the refrigerator for 3 days
- 4 cups raw organic almonds (soaked overnight or at least 8-hours)
- 8 cups of water (you can adjust the amount of water to obtain desired thickness)
Rinse soaked almonds well in the strainer. Place almonds in the blender and add water. Blend on high until it becomes smooth. Pour mixture through a nut milk bag or organic cheesecloth, and allow the milk to collect into a separate bowl. Squeeze, or “milk” the liquid out of the cloth with your hands so all the milk is out and your left with nut pulp. You can use nut pulp for future recipes or toss in your compost or trash. 
I attempted to make this twice with a cheesecloth but both times the cloth tore and the pulp slipped into the milk. Nut milk bags are sturdier and worth the extra cost.
Enjoy!
1 ovary or Both? It matters with PCOS
A new study showed that women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – who have cystic ovaries involving just 1 ovary, rather than both ovaries, have significantly lower rates of menstrual cycle irregularity. This finding was presented at the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM) 2012 Annual Convention. 
To be diagnosed with PCOS, a woman needs to have 2 out of the following 3 characteristics:
1. Irregular periods
2. Elevated testosterone or DHEA-S which manifest generally with cystic acne and/or hair growth (generally on chin)
3. Enlarged ovaries containing at least 12 follicles each
I see a lot of women with PCOS – diet, exercise, nutrient therapy and herbal medicine are very effective at regulating cycles, promoting weight loss and enhancing fertility. This study is the first of its kind to actually compare unilateral and bilateral PCOS. This is interesting because it provides more information on the clinical manifestations of PCOS- and helps explain why some women with PCOS respond more quickly to therapies.
Mom’s obesity associated with child’s autism
I have been asked about this study a lot during the last few days. I’m a little late to report this very interesting study published in Pediatrics, potentially linking mom’s obesity during pregnancy with their child’s risk of developing autism.
The study suggests that obese moms are 67% more likely to have a child with autism and 2x more likely to have a child with other developmental problems. This study shows that the metabolic state of obese women during pregnancy is associated with autism and other developmental delays. It does not say that being obese causes autism- more research will need to be done to make the cause-and-effect relationship.
While there is a lot we don’t know about autism, we are slowly growing a list environmental factors that have been associated with an increase risk of autism. For example, last year a study was published associating autism risk with how close mom lives to a freeway during pregnancy. There are obvious environmental triggers that, when coupled with a child’s genetic predisposition, contribute to the development of autism. We can’t control our genes but we can control how certain genes are expressed. And, again, while there is so much we don’t know about autism development, we do know that we live in a toxic world and we are getting fatter. Being obese changes our internal environment and it doesn’t surprise me that these changes may be noted as another risk factor.
I am a big believer in getting the body in optimum health prior to conceiving. A healthy, clean body and normal weight promotes an easier conception and a healthy pregnancy, birth and baby. And, it seems, a healthy body and weight during conception and pregnancy, may protect against autism and other developmental delays.
My Article Posted on Positively Positive
Mindful Eating as a cure for bloating, gas, constipation and heartburn…see my article posted on Positively Positive.
Prenatal Vitamin D Enhances Kids’ Language Skills
Results of a recent study
suggest that mom’s vitamin D status during pregnancy enhances the neurocognitive development of their offspring. This study showed that pregnant women with low serum levels of Vitamin D (<46nmol/L) had a 2-fold higher risk of having a child with language difficulties compared with pregnant women whose vitamin D levels were greater than 70 nmol/L.
Interestingly, most labs mark deficiency at under 30nmol/L. So you could be just above 30nmol/L (but less then 46nmol) and still be told you have adequate Vitamin D stores. I see this a lot in my practice. Women will be told that their Vitamin D levels are great- but they’re barely above 30nmol/L. There are many known advantages of having adequate Vitamin D levels, such as heart health, cancer protection, hormonal balance, asthma protection and mood. This is probably one of the easiest deficiencies to correct. Vitamin D levels are easy to check for (serum 25(OH) Vitamin D) and easy to supplement with- small, easy to swallow, very affordable capsules. Most pregnant women need to be on a daily dose of at least 5000IU of Vitamin D3/day in order to maintain levels of 70nmol/L and receive these potential neurocognitive advantages.
Akasha Naturals Is Live!
Akasha products and supplement line – Akasha Naturals- went live today! Akasha Naturals is the first supplement line developed by an integrative medical team. We have been working on this project for years- so I’m pretty excited and very proud of what our team has accomplished! We have done extensive research, ensuring that our products are made with the highest quality ingredients. Our formulas are effective, pure and highly absorbable. Importantly, they are backed with scientific studies supporting their safety and effectiveness. And we have avoided plastic in the production of our products. They are packaged in glass bottles (90% so far!) and are almost entirely devoid of gelatin (which is animal based) by using only veggie capsules, softgels and liquids.
The cause of your health problems may be in your gut
The health of your gut affects your entire well being. If you experience bloating, gas or constipation, your mood, immune system and energy level may be affected. Most of us know that SSRIs- a group of antidepressants such as Prozac, Zoloft and Lexapro, work by increasing serotonin in the body. Serotonin is seen as the “happy hormone”. Well, 95% of serotonin is actually produced in our gut! So, if our gut isn’t healthy, we are more likely to feel depressed and anxious. A majority of my patients find significant relief in mood and energy when their gut is addressed. This means making sure there is enough healthy bacteria living in the colon and small intestines, eliminating any potential food sensitivities, identifying parasites or bacterial overgrowth, supplementing with digestive enzymes (when necessary) and healing the gut if there is a long history of irritable or inflammatory bowel disease. This Wall Street Journal article discusses the growing body of research showing how the gut affects bodily functions far beyond digestion.
Raw Cacao Truffles
This delicious recipe will be included in Akasha’s next holiday newsletter. I made these truffles yesterday for Kirk to bring to work this week. They are decadent and so, so easy to make.
2 cups raw almonds – ground
¾ cup raw cacao powder
5 dates, pitted
½ cup raw organic honey or agave (I prefer honey)
1 Tablespoon raw organic coconut butter
Pinch of Celtic sea salt
Filtered water- as needed for desired moisture (usually 2 tsp -1/8th cup water)
Shredded coconut (optional)
In a food processor grind almonds. Next add the rest of the ingredients except the water and coconut and blend again. Once everything is blended, add enough water to make the mixture moist. Roll chocolate mixture into balls, around the size of a golf ball or smaller. Roll truffles into shredded coconut and store in fridge or freezer for at least 3-hours before serving.
Enjoy!
